But a
new report shows how some of the real-life inspirations for these school
spirit-builders may be at risk.

Mascot
Madness, a study released by the National Wildlife Federation, examines how
environmental factors can be the toughest opponents of animals in the wild.

"It
could be game-over for many of the wildlife mascots, unless we reduce our
carbon pollution that's causing climate change, and unless we develop new,
clean energy sources," says Doug Inkley, a senior scientist with the NWF.

The
report says, for example, that the quality of food sources for bison can be
affected by warming temperatures, resulting in smaller bison.

NWF
says mountain lions, such as Penn State's famous Nittany Lion, have not yet
been negatively affected by climate change, but steps to curb it will benefit
all wildlife.

Inkley
says in terms of options, the long-term solution to global warming is already
part of the landscape.

"It
is a big challenge, this climate change, and what we need to do about it is, we
need to develop clean energy sources - wind power, solar power," he says.

Inkley
adds using college mascots as part of the study is timely during college
basketball's highest-profile month.

"It
may be fun to address this spring March Madness and look at the mascots, but it
is a very serious issue," he stresses. "We can do something about it.
We must address the issue of climate change."